Apache Junction commission approves FY2025–26 nonprofit funding package, directs city presentation

The Apache Junction Health and Human Services Commission voted unanimously on March 31 to recommend a $90,000 package of fiscal year 2025–26 human services grants to five local nonprofits and directed staff to present the recommendations to City Council at an April 14 work session.

The recommendations allocate $70,000 to Superstition Food Bank (including $20,000 specifically to expand weekend backpack food support for two additional schools), $9,000 to the Boys & Girls Club, $7,000 to the Apache Junction Community Development Corporation (AJCDC), $2,000 to Begin Again Homes, and $2,000 to Overflow Missions. The commission approved “Option 3” by roll call, 7-0.

Commissioners and nonprofit representatives spent roughly two hours reviewing applications and trading proposals before settling on the package. Commissioners repeatedly raised two core questions during debate: how the city-certified funds would be used principally for Apache Junction residents — per city code guidance cited by commission counsel Joel Stern — and whether grant awards should prioritize direct client services over administrative and salary costs.

Maggie Baritzi, founder of Begin Again Homes, said her group provides short-term motel and gap housing for people awaiting placement through housing vouchers and emphasized the program’s role as an emergency, short-duration intervention. "I founded it two years ago with the vision of providing gap housing for people who were taking advantage of HUD vouchers," Baritzi told commissioners, describing Motel 6 stays as a temporary measure while clients are connected to other services.

Liz Byrne, vice president of regional impact for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, said staff and mentoring are the program’s primary asset and that staffing comprises the largest line item in the club’s local operating budget. "The line item for salaries is the largest chunk of our overall operating budget," Byrne said, arguing that staffing supports both academic and social-emotional recovery among youth.

Denise Carter of Overflow Missions described the group’s food-box operations and said typical boxes weigh about 22 pounds and cost roughly $12 in purchased items when she shops discount retailers. "We always put peanut butter and jelly and bread," Carter said, outlining the recurring contents of emergency food boxes.

Representatives from Superstition Food Bank urged the commission to fund expansion of weekend backpacks for children; a commission member summarized that request as "backpacks, backpacks, backpacks. Let's get some food to the children," and the commission allocated $20,000 of the food bank award specifically to expand the backpack program to two elementary schools (Peralta Trail and Avalon), with the remainder for the food bank’s standard distribution work.

The commission agreed to conditions in the recommendation so the city’s later review will show the intended use for each award: the Boys & Girls Club funding is to support mentorship and a hardship (financial assistance) line; Overflow Missions’ award must be shown as benefiting Apache Junction residents (hot meals or emergency food boxes); Begin Again Homes’ award is for emergency shelter while clients await other housing resources; and AJCDC’s award is for operating expenses (left general to allow flexibility).

Commission counsel Joel Stern reminded the commission of the city code requirement that city funds must be used primarily to benefit Apache Junction residents, and commissioners discussed documentation and reporting requirements so City Council can review compliance. Chair Brennan will present the commission’s recommendation and the specified project descriptions to City Council at its April 14 work session.

Votes at a glance: The commission approved the funding package (Option 3) on a roll call vote, yes 7, no 0, with the following allocations: Apache Junction Community Development Corporation $7,000; Begin Again Homes $2,000; Boys & Girls Club $9,000 (mentorship and hardship line items); Overflow Missions $2,000 (for AJ residents' meals or emergency food boxes); Superstition Food Bank $70,000 (with $20,000 to expand weekend backpack distribution to two additional schools). The commission recorded the motion and a second and then took the roll call; the motion passed.

The commission adjourned after approving the package and noting that the recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for final action on or after the April 14, 2025, work session.